Aprio Honored with Corporate Innovative Project of the Year at Corporate Volunteer Council Atlanta “Serving with Purpose” Awards

Recognition highlights the impact of the Building Resilient Entrepreneurs Program, empowering underrepresented small business owners across Greater Atlanta

ATLANTA – Oct. 6, 2025 – Aprio, the 24^th largest business advisory and accounting firm in the U.S., has been awarded the 2025 IMPACT Corporate Innovative Project of the Year by the Corporate Volunteer Council (CVC) of Atlanta for its Building Resilient Entrepreneurs (BRE) Program, developed in partnership with the United Way of Greater Atlanta, The UPS Foundation, and Truist Small Business Banking.

The Building Resilient Entrepreneurs (BRE) Program is a six-month accelerator designed to help underrepresented small business owners gain the financial knowledge, mentorship, and capital needed to achieve lasting growth. In 2024, the pilot welcomed 15 Atlanta-area entrepreneurs to participate in a program that included a curriculum combining business development workshops, one-on-one advisory sessions, and a matched-savings incentive of up to $1,500. Participants concluded the program by pitching for up to $7,500 in additional funding through the Spark Prize Competition. By blending practical financial education with access to resources and networks, BRE equips diverse business owners to strengthen operations, build wealth, and expand their impact in the community.

The award was presented on September 9 at the 28th Annual CVC Atlanta “Serving with Purpose” Impact Awards, which celebrate companies that mobilize employee talent to strengthen local communities. Aprio’s BRE initiative provides mentorship, financial education, and matched savings opportunities to help underrepresented entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses and long-term financial security.

“This recognition affirms what we set out to do—equip diverse small business owners with the tools and confidence to grow stronger companies and stronger communities,” said Michele Blondheim, Aprio Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility. “The BRE program shows how collaboration can create measurable economic resilience. We are excited to scale this model even further, and I want to thank the Corporate Volunteer Council for this incredible recognition and their continued support in helping us drive meaningful impact.” 

About Aprio

Aprio is the brand name under which Aprio, LLP, and Aprio Advisory Group, LLC, deliver professional services. Since 1952, clients throughout the U.S. and across more than 50 countries have trusted Aprio for guidance on how to achieve what’s next. As a premier business advisory and accounting firm, Aprio Advisory Group, LLC, delivers advisory, tax, managed, and private client services to build value, drive growth, manage risk, and protect wealth, and Aprio, LLP, provides audit and attest services. With proven experience and genuine care, Aprio serves individuals, entrepreneurs, and businesses, from promising startups to market leaders alike. Aprio has grown to 2,400+ team members providing solutions to clients in industries including Manufacturing and Distribution, Non-Profit and Education, Professional Services, Real Estate, Construction, Restaurant, Franchise & Hospitality, Government Contracting, and Technology. Aprio.com    

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Aprio Media Contact:

Leslie Weiner, Public Relations Manager
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